FCT CJ, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf Assures NBA Abuja Unity Bar Of Judiciary’s Support

The Executives of NBA Abuja Branch (Unity Bar) on Wednesday, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Judge, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf.

The delegation which was led by the new branch chairman Moses Alfred Ebute (SAN) comprised of Vice chairman Chioma Onyenucheya, Secretary Prince Adebiyi Adetosoye, Assistant Secretary Chinelo Audrey Ofoegunam, Financial Secretary- Jerry Musa Ombugadu, Treasurer- Adedeji Emmanuel Adewale, Publicity Secretary- Ikemefuna Onyeka, Social Secretary- Terlumun Casmir Adaga, NEC Representative, Dr, Princess Chukwuani. Some Senior Advocates of Nigeria and members present were, Past Chairman,  P. O Okolo, SAN, James Onoja, Afam Okeke, Sola Oluwanuga and others.

In his remarks, Ebute (SAN), appreciated the Chief Judge for the opportunity afforded them to meet with him and other judges of the High court.

He further thanked the CJ for granting the branch continued enjoyment of the court facility as NBA lounge and informed him that the Branch has gotten its own lounge and will no longer use that of the court.

He also lauded Justice Baba-Yusuf, for the role he played in recommending 16 members of the branch that were last year elevated to the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria. He said that couldn’t have been possible without his support.

Speaking further, Ebute (SAN), listed some important areas that affects lawyers, and the public in the administration of justice in FCT, and also proffered some suggestions which he urged the CJ to look into.

He noted that the Judicial Calendar, should be made public to lawyers. “The absence of a predictable judicial calendar is a big clock in the wheel of progress in the justice delivery service. Therefore, everyone needs to have one every year, so that Easter Vacation, Annual Vacation, Legal Year, Christmas Vacation, Prison Visitation, can be known well in advance to avoid mistaken adjournment of cases to such periods.

He also raised the issue of having Functional Bar and Bench Relationship Committee. He said lack of this has led to open confrontation in the court and has also created room for petitions.
“As much as the Bar would want to continue to be the mouthpiece of the bench, we equally want the Bench to help us do our job better. Hence the need for cordial relationship between the Bar and the Bench, so that internal, brotherly and professional friction can be discussed and settled amicably.”

He therefore suggested that the CJ should direct that any court not sitting on a particular day, must communicate same to counsel in advance.

“This can be simplified by communicating with the NBA leadership which will in turn broadcast same on its platform and counsel concerned may not need to travel all the way anymore”

Finally, he said the branch will pledge its total and unalloyed support to the FCT High Court Judiciary.

Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, welcomed the delegation and pointed out that he was delighted to see that NBA Abuja branch is now a united Bar.

Responding to the issues raised by the Chairman, Justice Baba-Yusuf, noted that the judicial vacations are all statutory calendar, however, lawyers in FCT will be notified at least one month before the holidays.

For the Prison Visitation, the CJ, said, the court will embark on one soon and notification will be put out for those who want to be part of it or who have cases there.

He said the date for the legal year is uncertain however, one month notice will be put out. For judges on impromptu absence, they will have to inform the lawyers that the court will not be sitting.

On the Bar and Bench Forum, he noted that there is need for cordial relationship between the Bar and Bench.

“There is need for the both to engage and educate themselves on the issues relating to law and National issues.”

He said last year he had a discussion with BOSAN on creating a committee, however, he noted that the Bar should inform him whenever they get information on issues like this.

He said the branch is set to achieve a stride now that branch has a united voice and that the judiciary will give it all the supports that it needs to a have a successful tenure.

He wished Ebute (SAN)’s led administration a successful journey as they manage the affairs of the Branch.